8 Funky Backyard Tiny Sheds Shortlisted for the UK’s 2013 Shed of the Year Competition

Every year, thousands of "sheddies" throughout the United Kingdom submit images of their backyard sheds for a chance to win the Shed of the Year competition. Now in its seventh year, the competition seeks funky designs in eight different categories that go above and beyond the standard block tool shed. This year's finalists were handpicked out of a whopping 1,975 entries, but only one of them will win.

Founded by Uncle Wilco, the Shed of the Year competition acknowledges a crucial aspect of the United Kingdom’s culture. But these days, it’s no longer satisfactory to have a small block room with a bunch of tools hanging haphazardly inside. Instead, these “sheddies” have constructed backyard buildings out of recycled materials, topped them with green roofs, or shaped them as boats; one even has a mini pub inside.

The winner will be announced around 1 July, 2013 during Shed Week; in the meantime, eight finalists that won each of the following categories will be considered for the grand prize: eco shed, garden office, best cabin or summerhouse, workshop/studio, unique shed, pub shed, Tartis shed and normal shed. Click through our gallery for a closer look and tell us in the comments who you believe should walk away with £1,000.